Motion Ventures Aims to Disrupt the Maritime Industry with a $100M Green Tech Fund
Motion Ventures, the Singapore-based maritime venture capital powerhouse, is making waves with its latest move: a $100 million fund designed to turbocharge green innovation and digital transformation in the maritime sector. Dubbed Fund II, this initiative is poised to become the largest maritime tech fund ever, targeting startups that are reimagining the future of shipping, ports, and logistics through cutting-edge hardware and software solutions.
Backed by Rainmaking, a UK-based innovation juggernaut known for its accelerator programs and venture capital expertise, Motion Ventures is doubling down on its mission to decarbonize and digitize the maritime industry. Fund II is a bold bet on the convergence of sustainability and technology, with a focus on startups tackling everything from autonomous electric trucking to AI-driven carbon tracking. The fund has already secured over $50 million, with investments in OceanScore, a Hamburg-based maritime tech firm, and Fernride, a Munich-based autonomous electric trucking innovator.
From Decarbonization to Digitalization: A Dual Focus
The maritime industry is at a crossroads. With global supply chains under pressure to reduce emissions and modernize operations, Motion Ventures is stepping up to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation. Over the next 18-24 months, Fund II will deploy investments ranging from $250,000 to $10 million into at least 25 startups. These companies will focus on two critical pillars: decarbonization and digitalization. Think AI-powered freight documentation, real-time carbon tracking, and next-gen hardware solutions that redefine how goods move across the globe.
“The maritime sector is ripe for disruption,” says Jan Holm, Advisor to Motion Ventures. “The challenges we face—whether it’s slashing emissions or digitizing operations—demand bold, collaborative solutions. Fund II is about more than just funding; it’s about creating a ecosystem where founders and strategic backers can co-create the future of maritime tech.”
Building on a Legacy of Innovation
Fund II isn’t Motion Ventures’ first rodeo. The firm’s inaugural fund, launched in 2021 with a $30 million target, laid the groundwork for this ambitious follow-up. Backed by industry heavyweights like Norway’s Wilhelmsen and Germany’s HHLA, Fund I supported over 30 startups, including Freightify, Everimpact, and Expedock. These companies have been leveraging AI and digital tools to streamline everything from rate management to carbon footprint tracking, proving that innovation can drive both efficiency and sustainability.
With a network of over 80 maritime executives and a portfolio that reads like a who’s who of maritime tech, Motion Ventures is uniquely positioned to catalyze change. Fund II represents the next chapter in this journey, one where hardware meets software, and sustainability meets scalability.
